MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas has not beaten Ateneo this season, but UAAP MVP Soulemane Chabi Yo is determined to help the Tigers change that.
The Blue Eagles swept the Growling Tigers in the elimination round but UST has a chance to redeem its futility in the grandest stage–the UAAP Finals.
Momentum is on UST’s side after its sensational run in the UAAP stepladder semifinals that ended with heartstopping 68-65 win over Season 81 runner-up University of the Philippines.
Asked if he has vengeance on his mind, Chabi Yo simply answered with a slow and meaningful “yes.”
“If we’re to win against Ateneo we have to be more disciplined than them and we should trust the system,” said Chabi Yo Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena. “We have to play good defense also.”
UST’s first loss to Ateneo became an instant classic as it gave the Blue Eagles their only win that was decided by a single point, 71-70.
The next meeting, though, saw the Growling Tigers fall, 66-52, before going on different paths to the finals. UST had to survive three knockout games while the Blue Eagles got an automatic finals berth after their 14-0 sweep of the eliminations.
“We have to look back to the time that we’re practicing five to eight hours a day, all the sacrifices we did,” said Chabi Yo who had 22 points and 16 rebounds in the knockout win over UP.
“We have to make sure we don’t have many mistakes because that’s an experienced team and if you make a mistake right away and they can benefit from that.”